Letters to the Editor

Nov. 14, 1997

Religious arguments need to end

I''ve just about had it with current Christian arguments lately. Now, you'll have to forgive me for not end-noting this letter with Bible verses, but I don't think I have to. Hopefully, I can put an end to all this nonsense. First, the infamous yet oh-so-holy prayer tent/wall/shrine. It's ugly. Regardless of what you believe, if you're for or against it, we can all admit that. It's one of those ideas that looks like a tent on paper and then in reality it's a ... tent. Second, the 'What Would Jesus Do' bracelets. Another great idea that someone is cashing in on right now. Face it folks, it's a fashion statement, not a ticket to salvation (although I do know one fellow who uses it to get dates). To be honest, I haven't yet figured out exactly what Jesus would do in a lot of situations, and I think that most people who wear the bracelet haven't either. If it makes you feel good that's great, but it probably makes the people who market them feel a whole lot better. Finally, adorning yourself with Christian paraphernalia/propaganda. I wear a gold cross inside my shirt. The only reason I do is so that if I get killed and end up as John Doe, I'll hopefully get a Christian burial. I think the reason people wear a lot of Christian jewelry is for the same reason people pierce their noses: to get attention. If symbols are so fundamentally important to the Christian faith, why aren't there many at this Baptist university? (The only one I can recall is a statue of Jesus by Bennett Auditorium.)

I'm a very spiritual person, although many people would doubt it. I'm Christian, and I don't need anything more than the shirt on my back to remind me of it. Why? Because I believe wholeheartedly in the two most important commandments. I love my God and all I need to do to strengthen that is to look at a tree, or a bird or anything beautiful that is ultimately His creation. I love my neighbor and all I need to do to strengthen that is to celebrate the diversity between us; not by race or religion, but from person to person. So, if you want to pray in a tent, or wear a bracelet, or put on some jewelry do it for yourself, and respect and rejoice those who do otherwise.